LA-based Kevin Ryan is en route home to Ireland in advance of the Irish screening of his directorial debut Bad Suns. The post-apocalyptic thriller, which will have its Irish premiere in Dublin this October, is about to begin its tour of this year’s international film festival circuit and is already garnering positive attention. Ryan (36) is currently starring in The South Westerlies, on RTÉ One, alongside Orla Brady and Patrick Bergin.
The film, set in Los Angeles in 2028, includes a host of Ireland’s film-making royalty including True Detective and Sons of Anarchy star Timothy V. Murphy and Howth native Dylan Townsend (brother of Stuart). Meanwhile, Patrick Cassidy is currently putting the final touches on the film’s soundtrack. The legendary composer, originally from Claremorris Co. Mayo, is known for his work on the film scores of Hannibal and Veronica Guerin. Speaking ahead of the film’s premiere Ryan commented:
“Across both cast and crew, an incredible network of Irish diaspora based in LA were joined by many who came over specifically from Ireland to work on this film. We’re incredibly excited to be sharing this American story with an Irish audience. The theme is one of survival, hope and threat during times of unrest. It’s a message that has become ever more relevant in the world of COVID”.
Ryan is also currently starring in, The South Westerlies, RTÉ One’s six-part drama set in the fictional West Cork town of Carrigeen. in the series, Ryan plays local radio DJ Callum Kelleher who has a flirtatious on-screen relationship with Kate Ryan played by actress Orla Brady. Orla’s character has been tasked by her Norwegian employer, NorskVentus, to go undercover in the village and sabotage the protests against the company's planned coastal wind farm. Kevin’s on-screen parents Noreen and “Big Mike” Kelleher are played by Ger Ryan and Patrick Bergin who run the local B&B where Kate is staying. Commenting on the series Ryan remarked:
"I met Patrick ten years ago in LA, we became friends, and have worked on projects previously. So to be cast as playing his son in The South Westerlies was both unexpected but also a welcome challenge. The show was wonderful to work on, in watching you begin to appreciate Ireland’s unique culture and scenery, it will make for a wonderful advertisement for brand Ireland."
The South Westerlies, 9.30 pm on Sundays on RTÉ One. Bad Suns directed by Kevin Ryan will have its Irish premiere in Dublin this October dates (TBC).
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